Lately I have been struggling over the lack of growth in numbers that we are seeing at All Nations. There are many things that I am encouraged by, yet this is something that more than anything else discourages me. Here are my few thoughts.

Is there particular sin or other block that is preventing us from growing numerically? My prayer is that if there is that God would make it known and lead us to repentance. Are we not preaching the Gospel? This one I have really do not think is true but if so again may God bring it to light. What is it that God is specifically trying to teach me during this time? I know that it is to trust in Him and that He will choose to move in a way that I am unable to take any credit for it, but what specifically is he trying to do. Is it just because I have not prayed for it? James says we do not get because we do not ask, so each morning this week my opening day prayer to God has been specifically about increasing the numbers at All Nations.

Our new house is in a very interesting area, which I have been thinking about a great deal recently. First is the obvious. We are located a block from one of the coolest parts of Oakland which is Piedmont Ave. There are many great shops, restaurants, and some of the best coffee houses in all of Oakland. Yet if you go a few block beyond you very quickly get into West Oakland which is a very unusual part of Oakland. For most people nationally when the think of Oakland they think of West Oakland. There is an incredible amount of violence in this part of town, yet it has also become a haven for artist. Karin and I feel like God has strategically placed us in such a unique area that fits us very well.

Not so obvious is the other aspect of where we live. We are in an area of town that has the most hospitals, with Kaiser having their main facility there and Alta Bates hospital also being there. I have made a joke of the fact that the lady who lived in our house before us actually died there. It must of been her time because she was as close to the hospitals as she could have possibly been in Oakland. Also interesting is that we are right next to the two largest graveyards in Oakland. A friend who visited us last week pointed out to me that one of them has this incredible mouselum that looks like a library and all the urns are shaped like books. After thinking about it she realized they did this to remind people that here lies hundreds and maybe even thousands of stories. What an amazing picture. Hopefully God will continue to write amazing stories through our ministry here in Oakland, and specifically through our new home.

Now I am not much into autobiographical movies. I see them because I have to see them, Ray, Ali, and the like. All very good just not my favorite. Walk the Line was different. Knowing more to the story of Johnny Cash, I was very excited about this movie and how they would capture it. Yes of course since VH1 Behind the Music, all stories about rock stars falling from grace and finding their way again seem a bit played. What I appreciate about Johnny Cash is here is a man who didn't have some 'slight' change of heart or something but really embrace the new life.

Anyway there were a few moments in the movie I wanted to stand up and cheer, because they reflect the Gospel as I understand it in amazing ways. If you haven't seen it yet you should.

Wow, I got two requests to keep blogging. Thanks.

Just this weekend I was thinking about being a father. Before I went to seminary to become a pastor, I went to seminary to get a Masters in Counseling. My desire was to work with families and primarily with children. It just hit me this weekend, that desire is still very close to my heart. I was thinking maybe I would go back and get my MAC, and then I realized I get to be involved in even more significantly than I would if I were a counselor in the life of my daughter. Wow, no wonder I enjoy being a father so much, it is almost as if I have been geared for it. Another great joy I have in this same area is teaching the childrens church with Karin at All Nations. This week was really fun.

Our planned lessons are going through the creation story. This week, primarily because of a lack of kids, we did an inpromtu lesson on Christmas. And since I had prepared my sermon for the evening already I got to do it rather than Karin. Here were two of the fun things we talked about. Emmanuel which means God is with us. I asked the kids do you every go to the park alone? They said of course not and I asked why. Well I'll get lost, and if I get hurt there is no one to listen to me or care for me. I said exactly. That is why God came into this world to keep us from getting lost and to be there to listen and care for us when we are hurt. Often I find the kids teach me more than I teach them in a lesson. So then we got to talking about Christmas and of course presents. And I asked what happens on Aidyn's birthday, they answered, she gets presents, what happens on Zander's birthday, he gets presents, what happens on my birthday, I get presents, what happens on Jesus birthday? Everyone gets presents. Pretty cool. We get all of his blessing while he gets us. Often I don't feel like much of a gift to those around me, but God always delights in recieving me and for that I am very thankful.